If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory, you’ve probably encountered the legendary Buffalo Blasts. These little pockets of deliciousness are crispy, golden wontons stuffed with tender shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a zesty buffalo sauce. They’re the ultimate appetizer for anyone who loves bold flavors, a little spice, and a whole lot of crunch.
The beauty of this copycat recipe is that you can recreate the magic at home with just a handful of ingredients and a bit of effort. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, looking for a new snack to wow your guests, or just craving something indulgent, these Buffalo Blasts will deliver every single time.
I first fell in love with Buffalo Blasts during a family outing to the Cheesecake Factory. My kids devoured them, and my husband couldn’t stop dipping them in blue cheese dressing. That day, I knew I had to figure out how to make them at home. After a few tries, I’ve nailed the perfect recipe, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll have a hard time going back to the restaurant version!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for an appetizer that will leave your guests asking for more:
- Perfectly Crispy: The double dredging process ensures a crunchy exterior that stays crispy even after frying.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese creates a filling that’s creamy, spicy, and downright irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the idea of frying intimidate you—this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Plus, you can prep everything ahead of time!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These are the ultimate finger food, perfect for sharing. Serve them with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for an authentic experience.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, experiment with different cheeses, or even bake or air fry them for a lighter version.
With that said, let’s dive into the details so you can get started on these Buffalo Blasts.
Preparation Time and Serving Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 20 Buffalo Blasts
- Calories per serving: 150
Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts
Filling:
- 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
Dredging:
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
Other Ingredients:
- Wonton wrappers (square)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional for Serving:
- Celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Additional buffalo sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts
Prepare the Filling:
Start by mixing the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and buffalo sauce in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance—add a little more if you like it extra spicy!
Assemble the Wontons:
Lay out your wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make them hard to seal. Dip your finger in water and brush along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing firmly to seal the edges. Make sure there are no gaps; this will prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
Dredge the Wontons:
Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and water. In the second bowl, combine the flour and salt. Dip each filled wonton into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. This double-dredging process creates an extra-crispy coating that’s absolutely worth the extra step.
Fry the Wontons:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the wontons. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few wontons at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the Buffalo Blasts hot with celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a side of extra buffalo sauce for dipping. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when they’re at their crispiest.
Tips for Success of the Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts
- Seal the Wontons Well: Make sure the edges are completely sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during frying. If needed, press down with a fork for an extra-secure seal.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F to ensure even cooking. If the oil gets too hot, the wontons may brown too quickly and the filling won’t heat through.
- Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- Double Dredge for Maximum Crunch: Don’t skip the second dip in flour—it’s what gives these wontons their signature crispy coating.
- Work in Batches: Fry the wontons in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wontons.
Recipe Variations
- Air Fryer Option: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, lightly spray the wontons with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cheese Swap: Try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese crumbles for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix some finely diced celery or green onions into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or swap it out for barbecue sauce. Conversely, if you want more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
How to Serve the Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts
Buffalo Blasts are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Serve as a party appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce.
- Pair with a crisp side salad and fresh celery sticks for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Add to a game-day platter alongside other finger foods like sliders, wings, and chips with guacamole.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Place any cooled Buffalo Blasts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked wontons on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F until crispy and warmed through.
Special Equipment
While this recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools, a few items can make the process easier:
- Deep Fry Thermometer: Helps you maintain the perfect oil temperature for frying.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Makes it easy to remove the wontons from the hot oil.
- Air Fryer: A great option for those who prefer a healthier cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush the wontons with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the wontons a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to fry. - What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
Egg roll wrappers can be cut into smaller squares and used as a substitute.
These Buffalo Blasts are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try them out—don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turn out!
PrintCopycat Cheesecake Factory Buffalo Blasts Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 Buffalo Blasts 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These crispy, golden wontons are stuffed with shredded buffalo chicken and melty cheese, just like Cheesecake Factory’s famous appetizer. Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving something bold, spicy, and oh-so-crunchy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, additional buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Place 2 tbsp of filling onto each wonton wrapper, brush edges with water, and fold into triangles. Seal tightly.
- Dredge each wonton in flour, dip in egg mixture, and coat in flour again.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry wontons for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce, celery, and extra buffalo sauce.
Notes
- Keep wontons tightly sealed to avoid filling leaks.
- For a lighter version, air fry or bake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American